Brussels, Europe’s leading city for staging conferences and symposiums

The city of Brussels is the No. 1 European location for the staging of international associations conferences and is ranked No. 2 in the world according to the UIA report.

Brussels offers a not inconsiderable series of advantages for conference organisers. From its favourable geographic location with a strong network of international associations through to arranging meeting venues, the Region’s reputation leaves nothing to be desired.

The Union of International Associations (UIA) has been collating the annual statistics of international conventions held throughout the world since 1960. Its multiple studies enable it to provide an insight into the trends relating to international organisations.

The UIA has recently unveiled the rankings for 2017. Brussels is once again the No. 1 destination in Europe for organising conferences financed by international organisations. The European capital is maintaining its thrust and is consolidating its leading position as the associations‘ No. 1 destination for the fifth year running. In terms of world rankings, Brussels lies proudly in second place (757 meetings), hot on the heels of Singapore (802 meetings).

The visit.brussels Convention Bureau in conjunction with its partners offers a high level of expertise. It ensures the organisation and smooth running of conferences, meetings and events. The Association Bureau, for its part, provides hands-on support to any international associations wishing to establish their business activities in Brussels and to join the 2250 other organisations that already have a presence in the capital. These associations represent a very diverse range of industries.

Brussels offers them a unique ecosystem and job creation with a broad international profile. "The associations really are a part of the capital’s DNA. Brussels owes its leading position to our long experience, to our continuous innovation in the organisation of international conventions, and to the local initiatives that are undertaken for international organisations", says Patrick Bontinck, CEO of visit.brussels.

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Supported by the Union of International Associations (UIA), the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and the Interel Group, the global public affairs and association management consultancy, Headquarters Magazines serve the needs of international associations organising worldwide congresses.